This to remind you that it is time to report on last year's formation activities. Each year we are to send to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate a review of what we have done over the past year along with a synopsis of what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. This is kept in your permanent file and is used as a resource of what the community is trained in, and it can be used for reference if we choose to move to a different diocese to minister. (N.B. Our year runs concurrent with the Diocese's year, July 1 through June 30, so this review would look at the period from July 1, 20XX to June 30, 20XX.) It is requested that the report be submitted by November 1.

We are to look at four dimensions of development: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral. Within these dimensions there are these perspectives: Family Life, Multicultural, Ecumenical/Interreligious and Practical Aspects of Charity. The elements form for us a framework with which we can evaluate our progress and plan our continuing education for personal/ministerial growth. Remember, this is a report on what each of us is already doing. It should include a minimum of 20 hours of formal programming, but also includes personal study and training received through our employer or other organizations to which we belong.

In the Continuing Formation Report please include a reference to your attention to the requirement that all deacons make an annual retreat of at least three days. Retreat attendance is to be recorded in the annual report.

Again, knowing that we are all busy, please take 30 minutes or so to compose a report on last year and a projected plan for next year. This is to be submitted directly to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate by mail or electronically at edward.giblin@dor.org. Thank you very much for your consideration of this request.